Anthony Wong Yiu-ming has kept one step ahead of the local music scene since he formed the influential electro-pop duo Tat Ming Pair with Lau Yi-tat in 1985. After they disbanded in 1990, Wong started a solo music career while dabbling in productions created by experimental theatre group Zuni Icosahedron.
Next month, the 48-year-old will play two gigs as part of a live music series organised by his production house, People Mountain People Sea (PMPS).
How did the idea come about for these concerts?
Hong Kong needs more live music. There aren't many opportunities here for singers and musicians to perform live, especially for artists like me. We usually go to the Hong Kong Coliseum. But we hope to have more interaction with the fans with this series, organising shows at different venues. A new PMPS member Jing Wong will kick off the series. Going live is the best way to capture his sound, so the show will be recorded for his debut CD.
I'm releasing a new album, the first in 2?-years. I'll play most of the songs on my new album at the gigs. I'll also sing some old songs that I've never performed in live shows before and some covers.
I want to try something different and get closer to the audience. With more theatrical concerts, I need more funds and support. This is more spontaneous: we find a venue, then come together and play. It's like the way people make music today. You make a song on your computer and release it with just one click.